Bollywood Roundup: Ranbir Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Arjun Rampal, and more…

Ranbir Kapoor Recalls Amitabh Bachchan’s Powerful Presence on ‘Ajooba’ Sets

MUMBAI– Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor recalled being awestruck by Amitabh Bachchan as a child, saying the legendary star was one of only two people, along with his late father Rishi Kapoor, whom he could never look directly in the eyes while speaking.

Appearing on a Diwali special episode of the quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” hosted by Bachchan, Ranbir shared memories of visiting the sets of the 1991 film “Ajooba,” which starred both Amitabh and Rishi.

Recalling Bachchan’s commanding presence, Ranbir said the actor possessed what younger generations now describe as an extraordinary “aura.”

He remembered being struck by Bachchan’s towering personality and the way his presence seemed to fill an entire room.

Ranbir has maintained a professional connection with Bachchan over the years. He assisted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the 2005 film “Black,” starring Bachchan, and later appeared alongside him in the 2022 fantasy adventure “Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva.”

Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor also shared a long cinematic history, appearing together in films including “Kabhi Kabhie,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Naseeb,” “Coolie,” “Ajooba” and “102 Not Out.”

Bhumi Pednekar Visits Tirumala Temple With Family, Offers Prayers

MUMBAI– Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar visited the Srivari Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, with her family to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara.

The actress, known for films such as “Badhaai Do” and “Dum Laga Ke Haisha,” wore a traditional saree with a shawl for the temple visit. She was seen offering prayers with folded hands and later received the temple’s Tirtha Prasad.

The Srivari Temple is among India’s most prominent Hindu pilgrimage destinations, drawing millions of devotees each year.

The visit follows Pednekar’s recent trip to New York, where she shared photographs of her travels, dining experiences and time with friends on Instagram.

“Living my best life, but always missing home :)” she wrote.

On the professional front, Pednekar will portray warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma in the upcoming historical drama “The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” starring Rishab Shetty.

Directed by Sandeep Singh, the film also features Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi and is scheduled for theatrical release on January 21, 2027.

Pednekar was most recently seen in the romantic comedy “Mere Husband Ki Biwi” and the Netflix series “The Royals,” opposite Ishaan Khatter.

Arjun Rampal Pays Emotional Tribute to Mother on Eighth Death Anniversary

MUMBAI– Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal remembered his late mother, Gwen Rampal, on the eighth anniversary of her death, sharing an emotional tribute on Instagram and reflecting on her lasting influence on his life.

The actor posted a collage of photographs with his mother, describing her as his greatest source of strength, guidance and love.

“8 years today. I lost you Ma, my warrior, my love, my guide, my best friend. The best mother to walk the planet. Thank you for all those memories, teachings and grace that I live by today. You live through me and all the hearts you touched. Miss you, yet have you with me all the time,” he wrote.

Gwen Rampal, a former schoolteacher, died in Mumbai on October 27, 2018, following a prolonged battle with breast cancer that eventually spread to other parts of her body.

The “Om Shanti Om” actor has frequently honored his mother through social media posts, remembering her teachings and the close relationship they shared.

Earlier this month, Rampal also marked her birthday with a tribute, saying his family continues to celebrate her life.

“Happy birthday Ma, today we all still celebrate you. I miss you, cause there is just no one like you. I know you always with me,” he wrote.

Divyanka Tripathi Opens Up About Motherhood, Returning to Work and Parenting Twins

MUMBAI– Television actress Divyanka Tripathi has opened up about the challenges of new motherhood, including maternal guilt, balancing work and family, and raising twin boys with her husband, actor Vivek Dahiya.

Appearing on Gauahar Khan’s postpartum health podcast, “The Fourth Trimester,” Tripathi discussed her decision to return to work and the importance of family support.

“I don’t have a right answer to this. I don’t know what is right or wrong,” she said, explaining that she accepted a project requiring her to work just one day a week over several months.

Tripathi credited her husband and the production team for helping her make the decision.

She also spoke about the adjustments both parents face after childbirth, emphasizing that mothers often receive less attention as families focus primarily on newborns.

“Even he is learning how to be a parent and how to navigate life with a woman who has also become a mother. Dealing with a mother who is hormonal is not easy,” she said.

Tripathi said she communicated her emotional needs to Dahiya early in their parenting journey, asking for patience and understanding during difficult moments.

She added that both parents are learning to care for their children together as they adjust to their new responsibilities.

Wamiqa Gabbi Says Prosthetic Transformation for ‘Prahaar’ Left Her Barely Recognizable

MUMBAI– Actress Wamiqa Gabbi has revealed how extensive prosthetic makeup transformed her appearance while portraying 50-year-old Jyoti Nikam in the upcoming legal drama “Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam.”

Gabbi, who is in her 30s, said the transformation was so convincing that she sometimes forgot how different she looked on set.

“The first time I saw myself in the mirror after the prosthetics were done, I couldn’t stop staring! It was such a strange feeling because I knew it was me, but I couldn’t quite recognise the person looking back,” she said.

The actress explained that watching her appearance gradually change in the makeup chair helped her connect with the character.

“There were moments when I’d forget how different I looked until someone showed me a picture from the set,” she added.

Gabbi described the role as an opportunity to explore an unfamiliar aspect of acting and character development.

Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, “Prahaar” features Rajkummar Rao, Jaideep Ahlawat, Lalit Prabhakar and Sikandar Kher.

The film follows public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam’s involvement in major legal cases connected to the 1993 Bombay bombings and the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Priyanka Chopra Celebrates ‘Diwaloween’ With Festive Balcony Decorations

MUMBAI– Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas is embracing both Diwali and Halloween, sharing a glimpse of her decorated balcony and calling the combination “Diwaloween.”

Chopra posted a nighttime photograph on social media showing her balcony illuminated with string lights and decorated with Halloween ornaments, including a giant spider and hanging spooky accents.

The decorations reflect the actress’s tradition of celebrating both Indian and American holidays with her husband, singer Nick Jonas, and their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.

The family frequently shares moments from Hindu festivals, including Diwali, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra, while living in Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, Chopra shared photographs of her family’s Dussehra celebrations, which included traditional prayers, a Shivling abhishek, a hawan and Kanya Pujan, a ritual honoring young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga.

During the ceremony, Jonas was seen washing Malti’s feet as part of the ritual, while their daughter wore traditional Indian clothing and a red scarf bearing the words “Jai Mata Di.”

In August, Chopra also shared a video of herself teaching Malti a Sanskrit prayer from the Durga Saptashati, highlighting her efforts to pass on Indian religious and cultural traditions to her daughter. (Source: IANS)